Monday, 7 October 2013

One for 2014? 'The Emperor's Blades' (Brian Staveley)

As 2013 starts to look like drawing to a close, advance copies for 2014 start to arrive at the door. I'm still a little behind all the other bloggers talking about these books (like Justin for example) but it's still worth doing a little 'heads up' post here and there; especially with a book like this...

The Emperor has been murdered, leaving
the Annurian Empire in turmoil. Now his progeny must bury their grief
and prepare to unmask a conspiracy. His son Valyn, training for the
empire’s deadliest fighting force, hears the news an ocean away. He
expected a challenge, but after several ‘accidents’ and a dying
soldier’s warning, he realizes his life is also in danger. Yet before
Valyn can take action, he must survive the mercenaries’ brutal final
initiation.

Meanwhile, the Emperor’s daughter,
Minister Adare, hunts her father’s murderer in the capital itself. Court
politics can be fatal, but she needs justice. And Kaden, heir to the
empire, studies in a remote monastery. Here, the Blank God’s disciples
teach their harsh ways – which Kaden must master to unlock their ancient
powers. When an imperial delegation arrives, he’s learnt enough to
perceive evil intent. But will this keep him alive, as long-hidden
powers make their move?

Even though I don't have the time to read as much 'Fat Fantasy' as I used to, I still can't get enough and every time I see a title like this I'm immediately intrigued.Tor UK have good form for fantasy (Tchaikovsky, Newton, Buchanan and Hulick...) so I'll definitely be reading 'The Emperor's Blades' in the next couple of months. If you're wondering, Tor UK will be publishing 'The Emperor's Blades' in January 2014; absolutely no idea when the US edition will arrive (help?)